Explanatory Material
Scope of this Standard (Ref: Para. 1–7)
A1. The knowledge needed to function effectively as a professional accountant continues to grow.
Professional accountants face increased expectations to display professional competence. These
pressures apply to professional accountants in all sectors. Continuing development and
maintenance of professional competence and lifelong learning are critical if the professional
accountant is to meet public expectations. Because the accountancy profession operates in an
environment of change, it may be appropriate for IFAC member bodies to periodically review their
CPD policies and the application of this IES.
A2. Undertaking CPD does not, by itself, guarantee that all professional accountants will provide highquality
professional service at all times. The latter requires ethical behavior, professional judgment,
an objective attitude, and an appropriate level of supervision. Further, not every professional
accountant who participates in a CPD program will obtain the full benefits of that program. This will
depend on the professional accountant’s commitment and capacity to learn. However, CPD plays
an important part in enabling professional accountants to develop and maintain professional
competence that is relevant to their role. Therefore, despite some inherent limitations, CPD is an
important element in maintaining public confidence and trust.
A3. A well-established program of CPD that is measured, monitored, and evaluated may form part of an
IFAC member body’s quality assurance processes. Other quality assurance processes may include
quality assurance reviews of (a) professional accountants’ work (which may include a review of the
CPD undertaken by the professional accountant), (b) investigation, and (c) disciplinary processes
for misconduct.
A4. Lifelong learning represents all learning and development activity, formal or informal, undertaken
with the aim of enhancing knowledge, skills, values, ethics, and attitudes from personal, civic,
social, and employment-related perspectives. Lifelong learning has relevance to all professional
accountants, irrespective of whether they are involved in accounting fields or other areas.
Promotion of CPD (Ref: Para. 10)
A5. The following represent examples of activities that may contribute to the promotion of CPD and
maintenance of professional competence:
(a) Communicating the value of CPD regularly to professional accountants;
(b) Promoting the variety of CPD opportunities available to professional accountants; and
(c) Working with employers to emphasize the importance of CPD within performance
management processes.
Access to CPD (Ref: Para. 11)
A6. IFAC member bodies may directly provide relevant CPD programs for professional accountants and
facilitate access to programs offered by others, including employers.
A7. The following are some examples of learning activities that may be undertaken as part of a planned
program of CPD activity:
(a) Participation in courses, conferences, and seminars;
(b) Self-directed learning;